Iranian President: Nuclear Weapons 'Have No Place in Iran's Security'

In a September 24 address to the United Nations, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said “nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran’s security and defense doctrine.”

According to ABC News, Rouhani said Iran has been “a harbinger of just peace and comprehensive security” and to pursue a path based on WMDs would “contradict [their] fundamental religious and ethical convictions.”

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He said Iran seeks “constructive engagement with other countries based on mutual respect and common interests… within the same framework.”

Rouhani said achieving such a “framework” depends on the “political will of the leadership of the United States.” Because of this he hopes President Obama “will refrain from following the short-sighted interests of war-mongering pressure groups.”

U.S. officials responded by saying “actions speak louder than words,” and that Iran’s actions must show the truthfulness of what Rouhani has said before any progress can be made.